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Tarps And Snow/Ice

Last year I learned a lesson on how hard the frozen ground can be. I broke some MSR Groundhog Stakes trying to pound them into the frozen ground. This year I've done the simple thing and used some plastic shopping bags filled with snow and then covered with more snow. Works very well. You can also use dirt to fill the bags. As you know, those plastic bags weigh next to nothing. The handles held up well in the wind last night. Didn't stretch at all - tough plastic.

Just be sure to take them home or to the trash can when your done playing in the snow. I'll be keeping a half dozen grocery bags in my pack for winter camping. They'll also work in sandy areas.

I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well."

Last year I learned a lesson on how hard the frozen ground can be. I broke some MSR Groundhog Stakes trying to pound them into the frozen ground. This year I've done the simple thing and used some plastic shopping bags filled with snow and then covered with more snow. Works very well. You can also use dirt to fill the bags. As you know, those plastic bags weigh next to nothing. The handles held up well in the wind last night. Didn't stretch at all - tough plastic.

Just be sure to take them home or to the trash can when your done playing in the snow. I'll be keeping a half dozen grocery bags in my pack for winter camping. They'll also work in sandy areas.

If two trees are available to hang, chances are there is enough deadfall to use for holding lines in place. Just wrap the line around a stick (while leaving a "tail" above the surface), and pack the stick into the snow. The same MSR groundhog will work in a similar fashion when placed flat and perpendicular to the resistance.

Ha, that's pretty clever. Did you try wrapping the cord around a stick, and burying that in the snow? Wonder if that would work too?

I'm sure it would work. No sticks around and in the state forest everything is covered in snow. Plastic bags are easier for me to find (in my pocket) .

Originally Posted by wisenber

If two trees are available to hang, chances are there is enough deadfall to use for holding lines in place. Just wrap the line around a stick (while leaving a "tail" above the surface), and pack the stick into the snow. The same MSR groundhog will work in a similar fashion when placed flat and perpendicular to the resistance.

Yes, deadfall works well also. Especially the bigger sticks. 2x4 pieces work great in my yard.

Originally Posted by Gary_R

In the snow I use my Snowshoes and Tails to stake out my tarp

Good idea!

Originally Posted by dragon360

I like thwe idea. I was thinking of making some small parachute style (loops to close) reusable style system out of some 1.1.

How about some small gear bags? Making small bags from ripstop would be easy too. I'll try that - they'll be light weight too.

Originally Posted by mbiraman

I've used mesh bags. I find they have more grip ,,,, but they also weigh more as well.
bill

I have some mesh bags - they don't weigh that much - only need 4. I bet I could make some from noseeun - that wouldn't weigh but a fraction of an ounce, Good idea! Just cut a square, fill it up with snow, tie cord around it.

Lot of good ideas, guys - keep it up!

I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well."

For frozen ground, I use landscape spikes. They are essentially a very big nail. I also use that in conjunction with a fender washer so my lines don't come of the head of the nail. It works great. Just don't pound then flush to the ground. You need some exposed nail to hit so it will break any grip and aid in removal.

Cheers

Brian

Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment. - Unknown

Eastern Great Lakes Trip Planning Announcement thread. Subscribe to keep informed on upcoming group hangs in this area.

For frozen ground, I use landscape spikes. They are essentially a very big nail. I also use that in conjunction with a fender washer so my lines don't come of the head of the nail. It works great. Just don't pound then flush to the ground. You need some exposed nail to hit so it will break any grip and aid in removal.

Cheers

Brian

Landscape spikes? Anything like a gutter nail thats 8" long? How do you get them back out of the frozen ground?

I got in a fight one time with a really big guy, and he said, "I'm going to mop the floor with your face." I said, "You'll be sorry." He said, "Oh, yeah? Why?" I said, "Well, you won't be able to get into the corners very well."